TNT Boys, a trio of young singers from the Philippines, perform Beyonce's "Listen" in the CBS variety competition's premiere, but viewers of NBC's "Little Big Shots" (which Holloway also produces) already saw them perform the song last April.

An extended trailer released this week also features Earth Harp performer William Close, who made the finals in 2012 on "America's Got Talent," the NBC variety hit "World's Best" seeks to challenge. And contortionist Jordan McKnight competed on "AGT" in 2015.

"All our talent on our show see this as a truly life-changing opportunity," Holloway proclaimed of their stint on the “The World’s Best."

Reality shows are prone to borrowing. But repeat performers from other American shows are exceptions among the 40 acts on "World's Best," insisted executive producer Mike Darnell, who in a follow-up interview said Holloway "misspoke."

The TNT Boys, young singers from the Philippines, perform on CBS's new variety competition, 'The World's Best.'(Photo: Monty Brinton, CBS)

"Once in a while, if something hits us that's so big that it's undeniable," an act that's been on U.S. TV could appear on "World's Best," said Darnell, who also oversees "Little Big Shots" as president of Warner Bros. unscripted and alternative programming.

He claims TNT Boys have matured since their "Little Big Shots" appearance and are substantially different performers.

"They have gotten enormously talented, and so we couldn't deny them a moment on this show," he said.

It's time for the Television Critics Association's winter press tour in Pasadena, Calif., where networks present their shows to TV journalists. Here, Eva Longoria listens during a panel for ABC's "Grand Hotel." Longoria serves as an executive producer on the new series. Willy Sanjuan, Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP